Southsea charity shops calls for more volunteers to help

AN IT firm has launched a talent search with a difference – a bid to find the UK’s best computing role model.

Business communications and IT firm Daisy Group is looking to give the industry’s reputation a boost by running the competition with the help of charity Computer Aid International – and people can nominate one of their colleagues of themself.

Nathan Marke, Daisy Group’s chief technology officer, said: ‘We’re looking for people working in the industry with interesting jobs and a little charisma, to step forward and challenge the stereotypes of an IT worker by acting as role models for the next generation.’

With programmes such The IT Crowd raising the profile of certain types of career path, the firm are look dispel the myth that the industry comprises of socially awkward ‘geeks’.

‘The sector has a poor brand, which I think does it a disservice as it can offer a tremendous career with opportunities for people with strengths across the whole spectrum of the arts and sciences,’ said Mr Marke.

For every valid nomination received, Daisy Group will donate £1 to Computer Aid International, the UK-based charity which aims to reduce poverty through computing ideas.

Schoolchildren will form the majority of the judging panel for the competition with Bryan Glick, the editor of Computer Weekly heading up the judging process.

Mr Glick said: ‘I think it will be really interesting to find out first-hand from teenagers what they think makes the industry appealing, and whether having more exciting role models can better encourage them to work towards a career in IT.’

To enter the competition the entrant or co-worker needs to send a description of the nominee’s job, a photo of them, and an explanation of why they think they are a good role model.